Champion Ibrahim keeps it in the family (From Keighley News)

Champion Ibrahim keeps it in the family

10:06am Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport

Keighley’s Ibrahim Nadim has followed in his cousins’ footsteps by becoming a national schoolboy champion.

The 14-year-old beat James Bowers in the final of the class two 34kg category to carry on a proud family record.

His cousins Muhammad Ali and Danish Muhammad, who are both part of Bury Amateur Boxing Club along with Ibrahim, won English age-group titles themselves last year.

And now the Bingley Grammar School pupil has emulated their achievement by winning his final at Everton Park Leisure Centre in Liverpool last Saturday.

He claimed a split decision over his opponent from Bracknell-based Pinewood Starr ABC, though Bury coach Mike Jelley was in no doubt that Ibrahim was the clear winner.

“He won every round for me,” said Jelley, who used to coach Amir Khan. “He boxed his head off.”

Jelley believed the teenager’s success has been down to a hard-work ethic, which his cousins share.

He said: “Ali and Danish have definitely had a positive impact on him. It has always been ‘train, train, train’ with them and Ibrahim has been watching them in the background.

“Now he has been putting the hard work in and the results have paid off with a national title of his own.

“He is a good mover, has good timing and has good footwork, and he listens to what you tell him.”

Ibrahim is now looking forward to boxing for England in the Three Nations tournament later in the year.

Ali, aged 16, is hoping to claim his fourth national crown later this year but Danish, aged 14, had to stop boxing last autumn due to a leaking blood vessel in his brain.

Medical tests have since been encouraging but it remains uncertain as to whether he will compete again.